"Laurel has become my go-to in Austin. The food is world-class. Each dish that I had was perfect. Last night, we started with the calamari served hot, crisp, and in a bed of a bechamel-like sauce and drizzled with parmesan and some chili. The octopus we had the night before was also perfectly charred and in a sauce worth ordering. The fingerling potatoes were the perfect accompaniment. My partner had the Italian sausage and peppers pasta, and the pasta was perfectly al dente, and the sauce was intensely flavored, rich, and yet not overpowering. I had the halibut that was perfectly cooked, flaky pan-seared, and crisp on the bottom. The custard-filled donuts were a perfect end to the meal. I have to mention that I have dined here four times, and the food has been a pleasant surprise each time. The food always arrives piping hot and fresh. The service is terrific as the waiters have been there for years, know the menu, and can guide you to the night's best dishes. They were conversational, knowledgeable, and yet not overbearing. I noticed that someone did not like the crab cakes for breakfast, and I'm afraid I have to disagree. The crab case beenys were fantastic when I had them for breakfast yesterday. The custard-drizzled french toast was a masterpiece, and I would drive back for that alone. The chicken and waffles were the best I ever had; the chicken was perfectly fried, piping hot, and placed on top of a wonderful fluffy waffle."
